Air Fryer Carne Asada

This air fryer Carne Asada steak is a simple recipe made right in your air fryer in under 15 minutes. It’s perfect for tacos, burritos, or even on its own! Add this to your air fryer recipes collection for an easy weeknight dinner.

Carne Asada is probably my all-time favorite meat of choice when it comes to Mexican food. Carne Asada tacos, burritos, chimis – you name it and that’s my meat of choice. We also like making Carne Asada at home for tacos, or a big pile of homemade Carne Asada fries.

This recipe features making Carne Asada right in the air fryer. The steak cooks up nice and tender in the air fryer, just as if you were grilling or searing on the griddle. Be sure to check out the recipe FAQs and variations section below for additional cooking tips.

Ingredients needed

To make your Carne asada in the air fryer, you only need a few simple ingredients:

• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1 Tbsp. minced garlic
• 1 Tbsp. cumin
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. black pepper
• 1 Tbsp. chili powder
• 1 Tbsp. lime juice
• 1.5 pound flank steak
• 1 cup chopped cilantro

How to make air fryer Carne Asada

1. Place the flank steak in a large storage bag, and add all ingredients to the bag.
2. Next, seal the bag and rub the marinade all over the steak, so that it’s fully covered. Place the bag into the refrigerator and let marinate for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours.
3. When ready to cook, remove the marinated flank steak from the bag and place into the air fryer basket.
4. Cook at 400 degrees F. for 8-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the steak reaches the desired level of doneness. Tip: remove when the steak is 5-10 degrees below your desired doneness because the temperature will continue to rise while resting.
5. Remove and let rest for 3 minutes, then slice and serve.

Recipe FAQs and Variations

Do I have to use flank steak?

No – and if I’m being honest I actually prefer to use ribeye or strip steak for carne asada. But, for this recipe I chose what’s more commonly used for carne asada, which is flank steak. You can use whichever cut you prefer.

Should I put foil in the air fryer?

No, there is no need to cover the bottom of the air fryer for this recipe. You should also never cover the bottom completely as the air will need to circulate in order to cook the food.

How long should I cook the steak in the air fryer?

Again, this depends on the level of doneness you’re wanting. If you prefer medium-rare, stick with the 8 minute mark and check around 6 minutes. If you prefer well-done, go with closer to the 12 minute mark and check around 10 minutes.

How do I check the internal temperature of the steak?

Certified Angus Beef® Brand has a great tool to use for checking the internal temperature of your steak – which I’ve copied below:

• Insert thermometer through side of cut, tip in the center, not touching bone or fat. 
• Remove from heat when thermometer registers 5-10°F lower than desired doneness. 
• Rest your roast. Temperature will continue to rise while resting.

Recommended kitchen tools for this recipe

Wanderlust and Wellness participates in the Amazon affiliate program. Please see my affiliate disclaimer. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Below are my suggestions for purchasing an air fryer – from economical to higher priced. I currently use the Ninja Foodie.

Enjoy these other air fryer recipes!

• Air Fryer Mini Chicken Meatloaf – an easy air fryer dinner for four
• Air Fryer Gluten-Free Chicken Parmesan – easy chicken parmesan recipe made right in the air fryer
• Easy Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes – a versatile side dish that pairs with everything
• Air Fryer Roasted Chili Chicken Wings – perfect game day or party appetizer

Air Fryer Carne Asada